Junior scientist or postdoctoral researcher in AI/ML for Climate Adaptation and Decision-Making

Job title:

Junior scientist or postdoctoral researcher in AI/ML for Climate Adaptation and Decision-Making

Company:

CMCC Foundation

Job description

CMCC Position cod. 12716
Junior scientist or postdoctoral researcher in AI/ML for Climate Adaptation and Decision-Making
Deadline: May 31th, 2025WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORWe are seeking 2 motivated and talented Junior Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers to join our growing team in the field of AI and Machine Learning for climate adaptation and decision-making. This position is ideal for candidates with strong analytical and computational backgrounds who are passionate about developing innovative tools to support the design of resilient systems under deep uncertainty.
The successful candidate will contribute to the development of AI/ML methods applied to:

• the characterization and forecasting of extreme climate events (e.g., heatwaves, floods, droughts),
• the emulation of complex Earth system and infrastructure models (climate-energy-water systems),
• technological scenario generation and exploration via generative AI and reinforcement learning,
• and the integration of these methods within robust decision-making (RDM) frameworks.

The role involves both methodological innovation and application to real-world case studies, with a focus on supporting climate-resilient infrastructure design and planning.
We are particularly interested in candidates who can bridge the gap between data-driven AI techniques and physics-based modeling, and who are excited to work on interdisciplinary research that connects climate science, engineering, and decision analysis.ABOUT US
CMCC Foundation is a cross-cutting scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers. Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. CMCC’s core objective is to conduct cutting-edge science, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to be a beacon for climate modelling.The European Institute in Economics and the Environment (EIEE) is one of the three institutes of CMCC. It was established in 2018 in a trans-Atlantic partnership with Resources for the Future (RFF). It is one of the leading research centers on climate economics, featuring a diverse and international team of economists and natural scientists.CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data-driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision-making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel.At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment. Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.Over the last decade, CMCC has experienced extraordinary growth. We are now embarking on a new chapter of our journey that will further boost CMCC’s global position in climate change research…Together!To learn more about this opportunity and submit your application, please refer to the following:ROLEThe researcher(s) will work under the supervision of the Technologies for Climate Transition (TCT) Division Director and contribute to the development of novel AI/ML methods to support climate adaptation and resilient system design. The position emphasizes the application of reinforcement learning, emulation, and generative modeling techniques to climate-energy-water systems, with a strong focus on enabling decision-making under deep uncertainty.
The role includes the design and implementation of data-driven and hybrid modeling frameworks that integrate AI with domain knowledge to address complex challenges such as:

• the characterization and forecasting of extreme climate events,
• the emulation of computationally intensive Earth system models,
• and the generation and exploration of scenarios to support robust decision-making processes.

Particular emphasis will be placed on applying AI/ML approaches within robust decision-making (RDM) frameworks, enabling the design of strategies that are resilient across diverse and uncertain futures. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between climate science, artificial intelligence, and decision theory, contributing to the TCT Division’s mission of delivering evidence-based, adaptive solutions for sustainable development in a changing climate.TCT is the third, new division of the European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE). The candidate will support the development of the division within the overall strategy of the institute, leveraging the relation with existing research at EIEE.RESPONSIBILITIESThe researcher(s) will:

• Develop and apply AI/ML algorithms for predictive modeling of climate extremes and their compound effects on critical systems.
• Design and train emulators for complex simulation models (e.g., climate, hydrology, energy systems) to enable faster exploration of decision spaces.
• Integrate reinforcement learning and generative approaches for scenario discovery and adaptive decision support.
• Contribute to the development of decision-support tools under deep uncertainty, including robust and adaptive planning approaches.
• Contribute to scientific publications, project deliverables, and funding proposals.
• Contribute to proposal writing and fundraising activities.
• Communicate results through reports, academic publications, and presentations.
• Mentor interns or junior team members, contributing to team capacity building.
• Contribute to the objectives of the EIEE institute and to its methodological suite

REQUIREMENTS

• PhD in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or equivalent subjects.
• Accuracy and excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent programming skill in c++ and/or python, with experience in ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn).
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and policy-relevant science.

DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• The position will be based in Milan CMCC office.
• The appointment period will be initially 12 months, renewable pending a positive evaluation. Tenure can be granted from 2 to 4 years after being appointed as a junior researcher.
• Contract and gross salary will be based on qualifications and working experience and competitive with major research centers in Europe.
• Welfare package, for minimum 12 months contract.
• Flexible working time as per internal policies.
• Support during the immigration process, if needed.
• Please note that this opportunity will be issued both internally and externally.
• Interviews will begin one month after the opening of the job call and will continue until the position is filled.

PROTECTED CATEGORY
Belonging to legally protected categories (ex L. 68/99) will constitute a preferential condition.
Some fiscal benefits could be applied for repatriated workers or foreign researchers/professors, having the requirements defined by Dlgs 147/2015 (for repatriates) or Dl 78/2010 (for foreigners).
CMCC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics. Please omit from your CV any data you or we might consider discriminatory.
This job announcement is an invitation to express interest in the above-mentioned CMCC Position.Applicants responding to this posting declare that they have read, understood and agreed to the “ “.We will keep your information on file for up to 1 year.Powered by JazzHR

Expected salary

Location

Milano

Job date

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:48:10 GMT

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